5 Amazing Capture One Tools

by Mastin Labs

Capture One tools really make editing a breeze for photographers, especially if you know the best ones to use!

I've been a Lightroom user for years. It's a tried and true professional system for processing RAW files, and it's never really let me down. In fact, it's the reason I created all Mastin's Lightroom Presets for film photographers. However, I've been really diving into Capture One recently, and I have to say that it's made my head turn.

young dude watches a pretty woman walking by with capture one across her chest and makes appreciative face

While I'm not necessarily advocating for current Lightroom users to switch their platform, I do think that Capture One is worth a look—even just for curiosity.

5 Amazing Capture One Tools & Features:

LAYERS:

The Layers Capture One tool is truly is a game-changer!

In the past, if there has been one thing that has caused me to move my editing from RAW editing software to Photoshop, it's almost always been the need to edit with layers and masking. Capture One has these features integrated into its platform. Make no mistake, this tool is not a feeble, sub-par attempt. It's the real deal, and it's powerful!

In the example below, you'll see a step-by-step example of how to use layers to soften specific shadows of a darker image.

Begin by creating a new filled layer. In the default workspace, layers can be found in the color module and the exposure module, as shown here.
Create a new filled layer by clicking and holding down on the + icon, which will reveal the option.

capture one tools workspace showcasing layers

The marked areas are the shadows I intend to soften.
I used the Levels tool to bring up the midtones of the image just a bit. As you can see in the image below, Levels adjustment affects the whole image. This is because the entire layer is "filled."

Because I only want to adjust specific areas, I will invert the fill mask and paint it back in where I want the shadow softening to be applied specifically.
Right-click on the layer and select "Invert Mask," returning the layer to its previous appearance.

Now, select the brush tool, which can be found in the top menu or by pressing the ‘B’ key.
Right-click, bringing up the brush settings, give the brush a soft edge (no higher than 20%) and a low flow rate, (20% or below).

Now you can slowly and evenly brush in the effect where desired. You can see the mask highlighted in red by pressing the ‘M’ key.

Almost everything in Capture One can be used with layers, including presets. (Look for the little brush icon.) You can also adjust the opacity of a layer or go back and change it at any time.

COLOR EDITOR:

Sure, all RAW editing software is going to have some kind of color adjustment. What I find particularly appealing about the color editor in C1 is how precise it can be.

We'll use an image of my pal, Tommy, as an example. Let's say I like the edit, but maybe I want to change the hue of the green foliage behind him. Capture One's color editor tool makes that fast and easy.

By Chris Daniels, edited with Mastin Labs Kodak Gold 200 preset

First, I make a new layer just in case I want to change it again or brush or erase parts of my adjustment.
In the Color Module, scroll down and select Color Editor, and then, select the middle option, Advanced.
Grab the eye-dropper tool in the corner and select the desired color to alter.
Click the "View Selected Color Range" checkbox below. This will show the color you've selected, and anything else will be black and white.

You can further refine the range of the color selection by dragging the color wheel range in almost any direction.

Once you have the desired color range selected, use the Smoothness, Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to adjust the color to your liking. If you make the adjustment in a layer, you can use the eraser tool to remove any unwanted areas affected.

CURVES:

C1's curves tool is quite exceptional. It works well and smoothly, and you can use it in RGB or edit the R, G, & B separately. Where it really shines, though, is the fact that it also has a Luma Curve. This is a big deal because it allows you to edit only the luminosity of an image without affecting the color at all. This tool also works with layers so you can add, change, and brush the tool wherever you wish.

Edited with Mastin Labs Kodak Gold 200 preset

LUMA RANGE:

Capture One's Luma Range, in combination with its layers function, is a power-house combo! Luma Range allows you to make exact selections within your image based on the light and shadow values.

Here, we'll use a Luma Range layer to adjust the sky in the background. Here's how to go about it.

Create a new filled layer and click the Luma Range button in the Layers panel.
A new box with sliders will pop up. Check the box that says "Display Mask."

Because I am isolating highlights, I'll drag the top shadow slider to the right, which will begin to refine the red mask that you see.
Once the sky is roughly selected, I adjust the Radius and Sensitivity for a smoother edge and transition around the sky portion of the image. There are still a few spots of the layer mask on her coat and on the building in the background, but I can brush those out. (If the mask goes away when you press Apply, just press the ‘M' key to display it again.)

Click Apply.
Now, with the layer still selected, hit ‘E' to bring up the eraser tool and brush away any unwanted masked areas.

Once you are happy with the selection, press the ‘M' key again to make the read mask overlay go away. From here, make any adjustments wanted, which will only affect the selected areas.
I used the High Dynamic Range and a Luma Curve to bring detail back into the sky.

PROCESS RECIPES:

Exporting your files has never been so glorious! For those of us who may often need multiple versions of the same images, I'm sure you'll agree that this is among the top features found in C1. You can do things like export small preview JPEGs, web files, print files, and TIFF or RAW files to specific folders and locations ALL AT THE SAME TIME! 🤯

You do this by making individual export "Recipes."

To make a recipe, start by going to the Output Module.
Just below it, you'll see a section labeled "Process Recipes."
Click the + sign in the lower right corner of that section.

Name it whatever you wish. For this one, we'll make a recipe for JPEG Previews.
In the second section from the top, under Basic, set your desired parameters.
Once the Basic settings are in place, click the File tab.
Choose "output location." For the rest of the tabs, Adjustments, Metadata, and Watermark, make any changes you wish.

Choose the location that your images should go, check any additional recipe boxes and click "Process" at the very bottom. Capture One will export them all at the same time.

Capture One truly is powerful and amazing software, and these tools are just the tip of the iceberg! If you use it, check out Mastin's Capture One Styles for film emulation looks!

We have 8 Capture One Styles packs to offer for different film photography looks:

Night & Day Capture One Styles (for both day and night.)
Adventure Everyday Capture One Styles (for bright and vivid styles.)
Lifestyle Everyday Capture One Styles (take natural light to the next level.)
Fuji Original Capture One Styles (the classic light and airy look.)
Fuji Pushed Capture One Styles (for when you want to take light and airy a step further.)
Portra Original & Pushed Capture One Styles (clean, warm, deep and dark and moody.)
Artisan B&W (formerly Ilford Original) Capture One Styles.

We've been getting amazing feedback on them!

“The mood of CineStill (in the Night & Day pack) makes my jaw drop, but damn, Natura is amazing too! I need to re-edit my portfolio now that I’ve found my new favorite presets!”
— Elisabeth E.

“Lifestyle Everyday makes my images pop without being over-stylized in backlit scenes or direct sun.”
— Evan Bonde